A Hacker, I Am

A Hacker, I Am #1

by Craig Ford

A Hacker, I Am is not your normal cyber security book, it explains topics in stories, scenarios, without all the Jargon. Its fun, educational and you can read any chapter you want in any order you want. You bought the book you should be able to read it how you want. This book has been created to help everyone, not just the technical folk understand cybersecurity and the associated risks. Some new technologies and what we need to do to be prepared for them. My opinions on several cyber-related topics that will help you all be better informed on what you need to know and some advice on how you can improve your systems. I poke a bit of fun at my own industry at times and just try to make the topic a bit more enjoyable. If you use a computer or the internet you should read my book, you will gain a much better understanding of the risks and how you can be more secure.

238 pages, Hardcover

Published September 7, 2019

About the author

I am the AISA (Australian Information Security Association) Cyber Security Professional of the Year 2020.

I am a cybersecurity engineer/ ethical hacker with a demonstrated history of working in the Information Technology & Services industry. Skilled in Information Systems Security, Business Process Development, Management, Service Desk and Compliance. I have a Masters in Management (Information Technology) focused on Digital Forensics / Information Systems Security and Masters in Information Systems Security from Charles Sturt University.

I am a cybersecurity journalist and a vocal advocate for a more open cybersecurity industry. I like to tell it like it is and say it in a way that can be understood by everyone, not just the technical folk. I don't like to be too serious and try to look at the positives in life.

Reviews

[IfOnlyYouKnewPodcast · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard about this book from a friend and was instantly intrigued but I knew nothing about the cyber world and didn't think I would even finish one chapter. Boy was I wrong!!
As soon as I started reading I was hooked and I only took a break to order A Hacker, I Am Vol 2. This book is written in such an unconventional way so you can skip ahead and circle back as you please which was surprisingly enjoyable. Craig's desire to collaborate with his peers, improve his industry while educating lay people like me is admirable and definitely achievable as after reading A Hacker, I Am, I really felt like part of the cyber security world. A Hacker, I Am has led to a whole new genre being added to my favourites list. I highly recommend this book to lay people like me, and security professionals like Craig.

[Bradley Deacon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely, love Craigs writing style, he keeps it simple with regards to cyber security and it is important to not get caught up in 'geek' technical jargon as good cyber hygiene requires people to understand key concepts. Craig really hits the spot with regards to language style.

As a lawyer in cyber I love referring to his book to gain an appreciation in the field of cyber. I also liked how he has a chapter on thinking about a career in cyber and identified that it is an area that needs continuous up skilling. Craig, tells it as it really is and this book is a must read.

Craig also touches on the important topic of mental health and this really shows he has done his research and has covered off on a range of very important topics.
Cant wait to read Vol 2

[Gar O'Hara · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book does a great job of covering a broad range of topics that are often complex or nuanced in an easily digestible format. Craig's approach to chapter size and tone is compelling and doesn't eliminate anyone from his audience. He doesn't go overly technical, and doesn't overly simplify the content. He combines a lovely writing style with his deep knowledge, hands on experience, and heavy involvement in the cyber security community so that you almost don't realise you've read this book by the time you're done.
There are a relatively small number of books on cyber security and resilience that I dip back into but I find myself going back to this book regularly - I can pick a chapter and away I go (same goes for volume 2).

[Nick Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig Ford is a well-known member of the Australian cybersecurity sector and, in fact, he is AISA’s 2020 Cybersecurity Professional of the Year. The AISA Awards are regarded as “the Oscars for cybersec” so it’s no surprise that he knows his stuff, as evident in this book. Craig does a fine job explaining the threat landscape and the deeper and broader issues in the industry. ‘A Hacker, I Am’ makes a strong contribution to raising cybersecurity awareness for those inside and outside information security.

[Ryan Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

With this unique approach to talking about hacking & cyber security, Craig is saying everything most of us think when doing this kind of work. His simple concepts seem like common sense, but what you see in the real world is much different. A lot of times you need to hear the voices from the trenches to help make the changes in the industry and products that allow the good guys to succeed against the latest evolving threats. I could relate to Craig's story, which in many ways reminded me of my own career. I've been seeking out stories like this to help firm up my own position in the cyber world. Glad I read it and look forward to reading book 2!

[Joshua Hopkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a book that aims to introduce and discuss cyber security concepts to the everyday layman or those just beginning their cyber journey, 'A Hacker, I Am' does a fine job of breaking important concepts down using easy to read language (including autonomous cars, industry hiring practices, mental health in IT, ransomware, and hacker vs cyber criminal) and it is structured in easily digested short essays that can be returned to individually. Reading the book it does become apparent it requires further editing, however, as a self published book this is hardly surprising and it does not detract from the message of each chapter. A worthy read for those who are cyber curious or just starting down the path.

[Issam Eddine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I definitely recommend this book for any cybersecurity beginner or enthusiast. It is as informative as entertaining, you will not get bored and you be looking for more on the net.
Try to share and recommend all the principles and practices mentioned in the book to all your surroundings to keep them safe.

[Phillip · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read, hard to put down and not your normal cyber security, dry, boring, technical tome.
Recommend this to all new comers to the the Cyber world as well as people who think they 'know it all'
I think everyone should read this and enjoy the stories that have been shared!

[Gabriela Sorsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved Craig's book! Look forward to read next one! Great read for tech and non tech, my favourite part was the collaboration chapter and the attitude adjustment chapter!

[Naomi Borg · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a recent Cyber Security student and general cyber enthusiast, I was introduced to this book (and it’s author) at a seminar.

I do wish I’d been introduced about six months earlier, it may have significantly helped with some of the trickier concept’s in some of the more challenging classes.

I couldn’t recommend this book more highly for anyone interested in the field.

I’m looking forward to the serialised ‘Foresight’ novels by Craig Ford in the near future. Enjoy!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Intriguing approach to introducing a new series. I liked it!

this was a goodreads giveaway

[Benjamin's Bookclub · Rating 5 out of 5]

Craig Ford makes topics that are often hard to explain or digest easy to read and understand!

A lot of Cyber Security books can deliver content in a dry, academic way. Craig has put together this book in a unique way, allowing the reader to bounce between topics in any order they want, the topics are often delivered with a narrative style that not only gets across the heart of the topic but also allows you to see the real world ramifications.

This book has helped me explain many topics to my friends that I struggled to get across before.

[Dave · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to author Craig Ford for this FREE Kindle copy of A Hacker, I Am. And thanks to Goodreads for hosting the opportunity.

I thought the book overall was good, with interesting information and ideas. It would be an interesting world indeed, if people/companies could come together for a greater good. But alas...

The downfall for me was a lack of editing to help with sentence structure, punctuation, etc. Tough for self-publishing because after the tenth go-through of re-writing, it can be a lot to handle. Love the cover and enjoyed all the drawings to start each chapter.

[Billy · Rating 3 out of 5]

please let me view

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great resource for anyone wanting to work in cyber, or wanting to know more about how to protect their organisation. Lots of tips and ideas; I enjoyed it and also think it has a great title!